In response to the news, Liberal Democrat leader Keith Sunderland and fellow Lib Dem colleague Bob Smytherman both tipped Mr Nolan, who retained his Goring seat by a huge majority in last year’s elections, to take charge.

“I can understand Paul’s reasoning but I have certainly found him to be very open and has tried to do a good job,” said Mr Sunderland.

“Mark Nolan does work on principles and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got it.”

Mr Smytherman added his thanks to Mr Yallop, who he described as a leader ‘committed to Worthing’.

He said: “This is why we need to pay our political leaders properly. It is a full- time job and if you have a family and a full-time job, it is very difficult.

“Mark would be my tip but Bryan Turner could also take over but he is also a county councillor.”

Among Mr Yallop’s most high-profile decisions was to lead the way in bringing off-street car parking in-house, ending the ten-year reign of private firm NCP.

Despite concerns from opposition councillors, he spoke strongly in favour of the move, which has seen £1 per hour parking increase visitors to council car parks.